The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Soleniod clicks but motor doesn't spin

Ok, I have purchased my very own stovebolt (versus living vicariously through my Dad) from middle Nebraska. This one is a '46 Chev half ton that was an amateur restore... mostly. I am thinking that the starter (6v) that attaches to the '53 216 engine is a Powerglide with the electric soleniod. It looks new with absolutely no rust so prior owner had it rebuilt.

Anyway, my issue is this. Press the starter button and click soleniod engages but no starter motor turn most times. On a rare occasion it will engage and start.

I have been thinking solenoid, but when I use a screwdriver on two of the posts it starts every time.

Another question is whether or not this starter/solenoid needs a direct ground to the frame as the original would have; and could this possibly be the cause?

Then comes my next question. If it is soleniod can the existing starter motor be convereted to the mechanical floor starter. Most of the hardware is still attached to the bell housing and I have a good source at the family ranch of stovebolt parts that would work on this one.

sounds like there may be a bad connection, so yes it'd be good if there was a ground engine to frame, or if battery ground went direct to one of the starter mount bolts [best] .... the foot start switch will not work in place of the solenoid, you'll need to swap in a starter that has the switch on it

Bill

and as mentioned in a recent post make sure the gauge of wire is up to the task of the load. To light a gauge will rob the starter of amps.

Thank you both. I will try to ground the starter directly to the frame. There is a ground to the bell housing, but I will ground the starter too to see if that helps.